PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines
PART VII QUALITY
Chapter 21 Common Quality Framework for International Search and Preliminary Examination
21.27 In addition to establishing a quality assurance system for checking and ensuring compliance with the requirements set out in its QMS, each Authority shall establish its own internal review arrangements to determine the extent to which it has established a QMS aligned with the above model and the extent to which it is complying with the QMS requirements and these Guidelines. The reviews shall be objective and as transparent as possible so as to demonstrate whether or not those requirements and guidelines are being applied consistently and effectively and shall be undertaken at least once a year.
21.28 It is open to each Authority to set up its own arrangements but the following is proposed as a guide to the basic components of an internal review mechanism and reporting system.
21.29 The input to each review should include information on:
(i) conformity with the QMS requirements and these Guidelines;
(ii) any corrective and preventative action taken to eliminate the cause of non-compliance;
(iii) any follow-up action from previous reviews;
(iv) the effectiveness of the QMS itself and its processes;
(v) feedback from customers, including designated and elected Offices as well as applicants; and
(vi) recommendations for improvement.
21.30 Each Authority shall establish a process for monitoring, recording and measuring compliance with the QMS requirements and these Guidelines.